you know how everyone’s talking about building a contact list right? Like it’s the key to making your ideas and stuff take off.
But I was kinda lost on how to actually do it.
So I did some digging and I found this totally awesome playbook with 25 super cool ways to build your contact list.
Seriously it’s like a cheat sheet for becoming a contact-list ninja!
This is a game-changer, man. 🤯 Seriously, I’m so lost on how to build a contact list.
Check out this playbook with 25 amazing ways to build your contact list. It’s the real deal!
25 Ways to Build Your Contact List: Your Ultimate Playbook
This is a game-changer, man. 🤯 Seriously, I’m so lost on how to build a contact list.
Check out this playbook with 25 amazing ways to build your contact list. It’s the real deal!
First things first we gotta talk about why this is even important.
I mean it’s not just about collecting a bunch of emails right? It’s about connecting with people who actually care about what you’re doing.
Think of it like building a crew of your biggest fans.
You can share your awesome projects updates and exclusive stuff with them.
They’ll be your cheerleaders your first customers and your go-to testers.
The Basics: Making It Easy to Join
So imagine you’re browsing a cool website and you see something that makes you go “Whoa I need that in my life!” But then you have to hunt for the signup form.
Ugh that’s the worst! It’s like trying to find a good song on a radio station with a million commercials.
That’s why the first step is to make it super easy for people to join your contact list.
Think of it like having a big neon sign saying “Hey wanna be part of the cool club? Click here!”
1. Signup Forms: Make Them Pop!
You need signup forms that are easy to spot and super appealing.
Don’t bury them in a bunch of text or hide them in the corner.
Think bold colors clear language and maybe even some cool visuals to grab people’s attention.
Put them on every page of your website especially the ones you want people to sign up for.
Think about putting them in the header footer or even the sidebars of your site.
You could even experiment with different locations and see what works best.
Here’s a cool example from American Giant: They put their signup form right in the footer. It’s big and bold and you can’t miss it. They also use simple text to join which makes it super easy to sign up.
2. Popups: Be a Smart Billboard
Popups are like little billboards that pop up on your website.
You gotta be strategic with them though.
Nobody likes a popup that screams “Hey give me your email!” They need to offer something worthwhile and show up at the right time.
Imagine someone’s reading a blog post about gardening and a popup pops up offering a free guide on how to grow the best herbs.
Now that’s something they’d actually want!
Here’s what makes popups work:
- Relevance: Make sure the offer matches the content people are looking at.
- Timing: Don’t show them too early or too late.
- Value: Give people something they actually want.
Check out this awesome popup from Exploding Kittens: It’s timed perfectly when you’re browsing their games and it offers a great discount.
3. Blog Signup Forms: Capture the Flow
Think about when you’re reading a really interesting book and then BAM! you see an invitation to meet the author.
That’s what it’s like to put signup forms in your blog posts.
When people are already enjoying your content they’re more likely to sign up for more.
Don’t interrupt their reading flow with a huge popup.
Instead make it a gentle invitation.
Look at this example from Insider: They add a simple call-to-action at the beginning of their blog posts encouraging people to join their newsletter.
Turning Conversations Into Connections:
you’ve got these awesome signup forms everywhere but what about those people who are already interacting with you? They’re your biggest fans! You gotta make sure you keep them engaged.
4. Live Chat: The Personal Touch
Live chat is all about giving your customers a great experience.
But did you know you can use it to grow your contact list too? At the end of a chat gently invite people to join your mailing list.
It’s like saying “Hey you’re awesome! Wanna stay connected?”
Here’s what GetResponse Chats looks like: You can add a signup form right at the end of a conversation making it super easy to join.
5. Landing Pages: Get Focused
Landing pages are like mini-websites that focus on just one thing.
They’re perfect for promoting specific offers like webinars or ebooks.
Think of them as your “sales pitch” page.
Landing pages are great for collecting emails because they keep visitors focused on the offer.
They have a clear call-to-action and less clutter so people are more likely to convert.
This example from Ian Cleary shows a landing page with a clear offer and a strong call to action:
Social Media: Expand Your Reach
Social media is like a big party where everyone’s talking about their favorite things.
Use it to get your name out there and connect with people who are interested in what you do.
6. Social Media Posts: Start Conversations
Share awesome content that will spark conversations and get people talking about your brand.
Don’t just blast out promotional messages.
Get people engaged and then invite them to join your contact list to learn more.
Here’s what Mike Alton does: He uses a post to promote his “Partnership Unpacked” newsletter and encourages people to join.
7. Cover Images: Be a Digital Billboard
Your social media profile picture is like a billboard for your brand.
Make it stand out! Use it to showcase your latest offer or promote your newsletter.
Check out this example from Justin Welsh: He uses his profile picture to advertise his paid course.
8. Bio Links: The Quick Connect
Your bio is where you tell the world who you are and what you’re about.
So why not use it to connect with your audience and build your contact list? Add a link to your signup page or a landing page.
Katelyn Bourgoin does this: She includes a link to her signup page in her LinkedIn bio.
9. Email Signatures: A Subtle Invitation
Your email signature is your digital business card.
It’s a perfect chance to share your latest content and invite people to join your contact list.
Here’s what G2 does: They use their email signature to promote their latest resources.
10. Newsletter Sharing: Expand Your Circle
People love sharing good stuff with their friends! So if you have a popular newsletter encourage them to share it.
Include a link to your signup page in the newsletter itself.
Tim Ferris does this: He includes a link to his “5-Bullet Friday” newsletter at the end of his emails.
Beyond the Basics: Unconventional Strategies
Alright you’ve got the basics down.
Now let’s get into some more creative ways to build your contact list.
11. YouTube Channel: Grow Your Audience
You’ve got videos so use them to your advantage! At the end of your videos include a call to action to sign up for your newsletter or download your lead magnet.
Tommy Walker does this: He includes a link to his courses in his video descriptions.
12. Podcasts: Voice Your Way
People listen to podcasts so join the conversation! During your podcast episodes invite listeners to join your contact list.
Give them a quick pitch about what they’ll get and how easy it is to sign up.
Tim Ferris does this: He mentions his “5-Bullet Friday” newsletter at the end of every episode of his podcast.
13. Online Courses: Become a Teacher
If you’re creating online courses you already have a captive audience! Use this opportunity to invite them to join your contact list.
GetResponse University does this: They include a call-to-action to join their email list in their course materials.
14. Contests and Giveaways: Throw a Party
People love free stuff! Host a contest or giveaway with a prize that’s relevant to your audience.
Make joining your newsletter one of the ways to enter.
Sabaton does this: They hosted a contest to win a Zoom call with their bass player with joining their mailing list as a way to enter.
15. Quizzes: Playful Engagement
Quizzes are fun interactive and a great way to engage your audience.
Create a quiz about your industry or field.
At the end ask people to enter their email to see their results.
Digital Marketer does this: They have a quiz that asks people about their marketing knowledge. At the end they ask for people’s emails to see their results.
Collaboration and Community Building
Remember you don’t have to do this alone! Team up with other people to reach a bigger audience.
16. Webinars: Share Your Expertise
Webinars are a great way to build your authority share your knowledge and grow your contact list.
Ask people to sign up with their email address to join the webinar.
GetResponse Marketing Team does this: They host webinars and ask attendees to register with their emails.
17. Online Communities: Build a Crew
Create an online community where people can connect share and support each other.
Make joining your community a way to join your contact list.
Demand Curve does this: They have a Slack community for marketers and have a signup form built right in.
18. Referral Programs: Spread the Word
Encourage your audience to spread the love! Create a referral program that rewards people for bringing in new subscribers.
Aleyda Solis does this: She has a referral program that offers discounts and freebies to those who refer new subscribers.
19. Co-Marketing: Double the Reach
Partner with another business that has a similar audience.
Create a joint offer like a webinar or ebook and ask people to sign up for your email lists.
GetResponse does this: They have partnered with ZeroBounce to host a webinar on email deliverability.
Offline Strategies: Bring It Back to the Real World
You’re not just online right? Connect with people in the real world!
20. Presentations: Leave a Lasting Impression
When you give presentations at conferences or events make sure people remember you.
Add your signup link or a QR code to your presentation slides.
GetResponse does this: They include a signup link on the thank you slide of their webinar presentations.
21. Printed Materials: Get Physical
Include your signup link or a QR code on your brochures flyers and business cards.
If you have a physical store promote your newsletter at the point of sale.
22. Text-to-Join: The Easy Signup
Make it even easier for people to sign up by providing a text-to-join number.
They can simply text a keyword to your number to join your contact list.
Bonus Tips: Make It Last
23. Segment Your List: Don’t just send the same emails to everyone. Segment your list based on people’s interests and preferences. This way you can send more relevant and engaging content.
24. Personalize Your Emails: Use people’s names and other information to make your emails feel more personal. This helps people feel like you’re talking directly to them.
25. Stay Active and Engaged: Don’t just send out emails and then forget about your list. Keep people engaged by sending regular content that they’ll find valuable and interesting.
Final Thoughts: Building a Great Contact List Takes Time
Building a contact list takes time and effort but it’s worth it.
Remember your contact list is your tribe of supporters and fans.
They’re the people who will help you grow your business and make your dreams a reality.
Use these strategies to start building your list today and you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve!
This is a game-changer, man. 🤯 Seriously, I’m so lost on how to build a contact list.
Check out this playbook with 25 amazing ways to build your contact list. It’s the real deal!